Real Talk: Addressing Common Doubts About Lab Grown Diamonds
We live in a wonderful world where a wealth of information lies at our fingertips. But unfortunately, too much information can also be a bane! You’ll know what we’re talking about if you’ve been researching to buy an engagement ring or wedding ring for your significant other!
It’s not uncommon for clients to come to our jewellers at Love & Co. with a truckload of questions – some of which reveal underlying assumptions and everyone’s right to have access to accurate information so they can make a well-informed decision about their purchase of a lifetime.
A lot of queries have been surrounding lab grown diamonds – a relatively new entrant to the diamond market in Singapore. Well, we say, it’s never too late to learn! Let’s dig into some of these common misconceptions and questions about lab grown diamonds below.
MYTH #1: LAB GROWN DIAMONDS ARE NOT REAL DIAMONDS
With names like ‘synthetic diamond’ and ‘man-made diamonds’ being thrown around, some people may think that lab grown diamonds are imitation diamonds that are inferior to the real thing.
But if your definition of real is a gemstone that is chemically, physically and optically the same as natural mined diamonds, then lab grown diamonds are as real as it gets! Like mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are made of carbon. Their refraction index, dispersion, hardness, and density are identical to a mined diamond. In fact, lab grown diamonds are also graded by international diamond-certifying bodies using the same criteria as mined diamonds.
On the other hand, diamond simulants like moissanite and cubic zirconia may at first glance look similar to diamonds, but they are not made of pure carbon. Needless to say, they do not match up to diamonds in terms of hardness and durability. So, don’t get confused by lab grown diamonds and diamond stimulants! Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, while diamond simulants are synthetic imitations that look similar to diamonds.
MYTH #2: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ARE CHEAPER, THUS THEY ARE OF POORER QUALITY
You must be thinking: there must be a reason why lab grown diamonds are cheaper, right? Fortunately, inferior standards are not part of the reason!
Lab grown diamonds are indeed typically more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, often going at 40-50% the price. The reason for this lower price is the reduced labour costs involved in producing the diamond. The mining, production, and distribution system of mined diamonds means that there are so many changes of hands and higher price mark-ups. But with lab grown diamonds, these costs are drastically reduced, transferring the cost savings to consumers as well.
So, when you choose to buy a lab grown diamond, you can essentially get a diamond twice the size at the same price! It might sound too good to be true, but it is!
MYTH #3: LAB GROWN DIAMONDS ARE NOT GRADED THE SAME AS MINED DIAMONDS
Not yet convinced that lab grown diamonds are as real as diamonds can get? Then you’ll be relieved to know that all lab grown diamonds are graded with the same 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight) as conventionally mined diamonds!
Professional gemological organisations generate international grading reports that evaluate both lab grown and mined diamonds. Whether the lab grown or mined diamond is of poor or superlative quality, these grading reports reveal the variations they exhibit among the 4Cs.
With that, the sole difference between mined and lab grown diamond lies in the origin of the diamond seed. Although created in the lab, the process of growing lab grown diamonds is a delicate one – by carefully replicating the exact conditions needed for a mined diamond to form within the earth’s core. Following which, from cutting to polishing the diamond rough, it’s the same process across mined and lab grown diamonds!
So, don’t let these fears get in the way of your lab grown diamond hunt. With no two diamonds being the same, seeking out the fire and life in a diamond has become a special art and science. And as you’re diamond shopping, be sure to look out for the diamond certification to ease your remaining doubts.
Here at Love & Co., our lab grown diamonds are IGI certified – the preferred international certification for lab grown diamonds. With specific gradings for colour or clarity by an IGI certificate, you’ll purchase with a peace of mind, knowing that its quality verifies your lab grown diamond’s beauty!
MYTH #4: THE QUALITY OF LAB GROWN DIAMONDS ARE INFERIOR TO THAT OF MINED DIAMONDS
As a relatively new entrant that requires less time to manufacture, many believe that lab grown diamonds are inferior in quality. But lab grown diamonds carry the same exquisite attributes as mined diamonds! What’s more, if the lab grown diamonds are certified as Type IIa diamonds, they can radiate a more incredible brilliance, equivalent to the world’s top 2% of mined diamonds.
While all mined and lab grown diamonds are graded by two types, Type IIa diamonds are prized as the rarest, purest and most valuable diamonds. At Love & Co., our lab grown diamonds are classified as Type IIa diamonds, offering more brilliance and shine with a devoid of nitrogen impurities. And, what does this mean for you? We promise you an unrivalled sparkle created from only pure carbon.
In particular, our diamond manufacturing process utilises the latest Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology. As a highly controlled and state-of-the-art method, CVD eliminates any traces of nitrogen or impurities to curate higher grades of colours and clarity – perhaps even better than mined diamonds!
MYTH #5: MINED DIAMONDS AND LAB GROWN DIAMONDS CAN BE TOLD APART WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEM
Even without batting an eye, it’s impossible to spot the difference between a lab grown and mined diamond with your naked eye! While diamond stimulants such as moissanite are fairly easily identified, even the eyes of an expert can’t tell the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds as they illuminate the same exceptional sparkle.
Instead, only specially designed and cutting-edge machines can offer an in-depth analysis of the differences. Such equipment is found in certification labs and are used to perform examinations such as the Type IIa test – using the same stringent criteria set by the diamond industry’s benchmarks.
Truly, the only difference is in the origin of the diamond seed. Whether mined from the earth’s core or manufactured in the lab, a lab grown diamond’s chemical, physical and optical properties is exactly the same as a mined diamond!
MYTH #6: LAB GROWN DIAMONDS DISCOLOUR OVER TIME
One common misconception is that with time, lab grown diamonds can become cloudy or discolour. A possible reason for this misinformation is that diamond stimulants like cubic zirconias tend to oxidise and become cloudy over time. However, this is not the case with lab grown diamonds.
A 2010 article by Gems & Gemology also reported that some lab grown diamonds would change colour temporarily when exposed to UV light. However, it should be noted that this only occurred to a small exception of lab grown diamonds, under exceptional circumstances – plus, it is reversible.
Simply put, there is no evidence to prove that good quality lab grown diamonds, like any well-graded mined diamond, will change colour over time – under any circumstances. Love & Co.’s diamonds are Type IIa diamonds which are the most valued and the purest type of diamonds. Hence, our high-quality lab grown diamonds do not have impurities; colour changes are not a cause of worry. Rest assured that every diamond from Love & Co. – lab grown or not, will never get cloudy, fade in colour, or lose its brilliance. Indeed, our splendid diamonds will make a wonderful testament to your love and commitment towards one another.
Conclusion
With these answers, we hope we’ve cleared some of your doubts about lab grown diamonds. Affordable, sustainable and stunning – there is really not much more to ask for when looking for a diamond solitaire.
Looking for an engagement ring that speaks volumes of your eternal love, with greater radiance at a fraction of its price? Choose a dazzling and luxurious lab grown diamond ring from our LVC Precieux collection: the smarter ladies ring option for new-age couples like yourself! Here at Love & Co., we say let the LVC Precieux collection offer you not just a bold statement but a sustainable choice for Mother Earth. And just like traditionally mined diamonds, these alluring lab grown diamonds make a truthful piece for you and your partner and guarantees the promise of a lifetime. Make a Smarter choice with LVC Precieux diamonds today.
If you have any further queries about lab grown diamonds, we welcome you to talk to our experts here at Love & Co.! Feel free to ask us or book your in-store appointment.
